Download the graphic presentation: 26.05.2026 Raport Barometrul Informat.ro-Inscop Research – Probleme si Prioritati
27.8% of Romanians indicate that the main problem of the country is corruption, while 48.2% consider that the priority in the next 6 months should be the increase of salaries and pensions. These are the main conclusions of the Informat.ro – INSCOP Research BAROMETER, 11th edition, conducted between May 11–14, 2026.
The Informat.ro – INSCOP Research BAROMETER is a monthly opinion poll conducted by INSCOP Research at the request of the news platform Informat.ro, in partnership with the Strategic Thinking Group think tank.
The Informat.ro – INSCOP Research BAROMETER aims to bring to public attention topics of interest to stimulate national conversations on diverse subjects and key public policies for Romania’s present and future, based on citizen’s opinions, in partnership with prestigious think tanks and academic institutions. It is an initiative intended to contribute to strengthening democracy by using scientific and credible tools that place citizen’s voices at the center of public debate.
Methodology: Data were collected between May 11-14 2026. Research method: questionnaire-based interviews. Data were collected using the CATI method (telephone interviews). The simple random sample included 1,100 respondents and is representative of the significant sociodemographic categories (gender, age, occupation) for Romania’s non-institutionalized population aged 18 and older. The maximum margin of error is ±3% at a 95% confidence level.
Remus Ștefureac, director of INSCOP Research: “The study indicates a concentration of public anxiety on issues related to systemic insecurity. The fact that the issue of corruption coexists with the strong pressure for increases in salaries and pensions shows the emergence of an electorate that is simultaneously moralizing and dependent on the economic protection of the state – a combination that favors populist discourses that promise both ‘clean-up’ and rapid redistribution. The cleavages between party voters suggest not only electoral differences, but the existence of distinct socio-cultural ‘Romanias’: one oriented toward administrative efficiency and European integration, the other centered on immediate economic security and distrust of institutional elites.”
The main problem of Romania
Asked what they believe is the main problem of the country, 27.8% of respondents mention corruption, 14.9% – the lack of well-paid jobs, 13.4% – political instability, 10.7% – inflation and the cost of living. 8.1% of those surveyed indicate the budget deficit and public debt, 6.6% the state of the education system, 5% the state of the healthcare system, 4.4% the war and the international context, 2.6% something else. 2.4% do not know or do not answer.
PNL, USR and AUR voters, men, people aged between 30 and 44, residents of Bucharest and of large urban areas mention corruption as the main problem of the country in a higher proportion than the average.
The following groups indicate the lack of well-paid jobs at a higher rate than the rest of the population: PSD voters, residents of small urban areas, people aged between 45 and 59.
People with higher education consider that political instability is the main problem of the country in a higher proportion than the average.
Measures for the next half year
48.2% of those interviewed consider that the priority in the next 6 months should be the increase of salaries and pensions, 33.7% the reduction of taxes, 26.1% the attraction of European funds, 25.8% the reduction of state expenditures, 22.7% combating tax evasion, 16.4% political stability and agreement between parties, 15% public administration reform, 14.2% increasing public investments, and 9.1% the organization of early elections. 3.5% mention another priority, and 2.1% do not know or do not answer.
The following groups mention the increase of salaries and pensions as a priority measure in a higher percentage than the rest of the population: PSD and AUR voters, women, people aged between 30 and 44, those with primary education, residents of small urban areas and rural areas.
AUR voters, women, people aged between 18 and 44, those with primary education and residents of small urban areas indicate tax reduction in a higher proportion than the average.
PNL and USR voters, people with higher education, residents of the capital and large urban areas and employees in the public sector most frequently indicate the attraction of European funds as a priority measure for the next half year.
The following groups believe that reducing state expenditures should be a priority measure in the next 6 months at a higher rate than the general population: PNL and USR voters, people with higher education, residents of Bucharest, employees in the private sector.
PNL and USR voters, men, young people under 30, people with higher education, residents of the capital and large urban areas consider, in a higher proportion than the rest of the population, combating tax evasion as a priority measure.
Download the graphic presentation: 26.05.2026 Raport Barometrul Informat.ro-Inscop Research – Probleme si Prioritati
